Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning

A hurricane watch indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. When a hurricane watch is issued for our surrounding coastal area, all UCF departments need to secure any sensitive or vulnerable equipment. This watch should also trigger your family's disaster plan and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as leaving a barrier island.

A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. If a hurricane warning is issued for our area, the university or branch campuses may be closed. If so, classes will be cancelled and offices closed until the danger is over. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.